Using tsm as a shebang interpreter in TypeScript
Blog post from LogRocket
TypeScript has gained significant popularity in web development, often requiring transpilation to JavaScript for execution within environments like Node.js or browsers. However, tools like tsm, a TypeScript module loader created by Luke Edwards, are changing this by enabling the direct execution of TypeScript within Node.js. By using esbuild to quickly transpile TypeScript to JavaScript on the fly, tsm simplifies the development process by reducing feedback loops and simplifying build tooling. While it requires installation alongside Node.js, tsm offers seamless integration with Node's ecosystem, making it appealing for small projects and developers familiar with Node. Alternatives like Deno also provide native TypeScript support, though they have different compatibility and module distribution systems compared to Node.js. Ultimately, tsm allows for easy incorporation of TypeScript into Node.js projects without the typical complexities associated with TypeScript transpilation.